The Reality of Our Situation:
With the many stray cats in Shawano County we simply cannot help them all. We want to assist every cat, but our resources are limited. Our shelter is currently at full capacity, and we have a waiting list for animals to enter. We work tirelessly to care for and find homes for countless animals, but the reality is that we can only do so much.
Why This Policy?
1. Higher Return-to-Home Rates: Cats left in their familiar outdoor environment have a much higher chance of finding their way home or being located by their owners.
2. Low Shelter Reclaim Rates: Only about 3% of stray cats brought to shelters are reclaimed by their owners.
3. Stress Reduction: Bringing a cat to a shelter can cause significant stress and fear, potentially for months. Instead, leaving them where they are allows them to remain in a familiar environment.
4. Resource Management: By not taking in every stray cat, we can dedicate our limited space and resources to indoor cats that truly need rehoming due to owner death, illness, or other urgent circumstances.
Our Goal: Helping More Cats
This approach allows us to:
– Increase the chances of cats returning home
– Reduce stress on cats
– Help more cats in urgent need of rehoming
While we understand this policy may seem counterintuitive, it is based on evidence and expert guidance. By leaving stray cats where they are, we’re actually increasing their chances of getting home and allowing us to help more cats in critical need.
Resources for Lost Pets
You can help local outdoot cats by constructing a shelter for them: https://www.alleycat.org/resources/how-to-build-an-outdoor-shelter/
To support our community further, we offer several resources for helping lost pets:
– Free ID Tags: We provide free ID tags for both dogs and cats. Simply stop by the shelter during our open hours to get a tag for your pet.
– PetcoLoveLost Registration: We encourage all pet owners to register their pets on PetcoLoveLost.org. This free service uses facial recognition technology to match lost pets with found animals in the community.
What to Do If You Find a Stray Cat:
If you come across a stray cat, here are some helpful steps you can take:
– Post a Picture: Share a clear photo of the cat in local neighborhood groups, on social media, lost pet posters in the neighborhood found to help locate the owner.
– Check for a Microchip: If you really think the cat is lost and think you need to intervene, bring the cat to the Humane Society, rescue organization, or local veterinary office to have it scanned for a microchip, which can help reunite it with its owner.
– Talk to Neighbors: Ask around in the neighborhood where the cat was found; the owner may be nearby.
Join Us in Making a Difference
We invite you to visit the Shawano County Humane Society to gain a deeper understanding of our mission and the vital work we do. Seeing our operations firsthand can provide valuable insight into the challenges we face. We encourage community members to come to the shelter, learn about our programs, and explore ways to get involved.
Your continued support allows us to carry out our vital work in the community. Together, we can create a more effective and humane approach to animal welfare in Shawano County.
Thank you for your understanding and support!